PopSugar

Your Political Leanings May Determine What's on Your Plate

YumSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:20:37 -0800

Everyone says that you are what you eat. But could your political party affiliation be the driver of what goes on your plate, too? That's what food trend analyst Phil Lempert (of koodie fame) is arguing. Examining 2009 data from Hunch, he found conservatives opt for "mainstream, comfort food staples," while liberals are likely to gravitate toward "international and exotic cuisines."

According to Lempert, conservatives correlated with foods like pizza, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly for lunch, plus fried chicken, meatloaf, and steak for dinner, with Italian food being the cuisine of choice.

Liberals, on the other hand, preferred Asian: Thai and Indian for lunch, and veggie burgers and green curry for supper. His findings indicate they also tend to make more nutritionally sound choices, such as eating vegetables more often and fast food less frequently, and making dishes from scratch.

Those looking to toe the bipartisan line should stick to mutually-loved foods such as hot dogs, bacon double cheeseburgers, ice cream sans sprinkles, romaine lettuce, and salt on a margarita glass. Do these findings line up correctly with your political leanings?

Source: Flickr User thebittenword.com

Is a Camera Finally Coming to the iPod Touch?

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:33:59 -0800

I know, I know, you've heard this one before, but now The Examiner is quoting an inside source at Apple who says a camera will be coming to the iPod touch this Spring. Rumors and theories have been circulating ever since the Nano was released with a video camera, and the iPod Touch was not. In September, Steve Jobs explained the reasoning behind the missing camera, that the iPod Touch is meant to be primarily a gaming device, and Apple's goal was to keep the price down as much as they could.

The article, later quoted in the New York Times says:

"We have heard from an inside source who claims the camera version of the iPod Touch 3G will be released this Spring. The source confirms to us that the iPod Touch 3G with camera had actually been planned for release this past September, but had problems passing quality control."

According to the source, the iPod Touch camera will be the same as the current Nano camera, which takes video but not still photos. There's no word on a possible release date, though I'm curious if Apple would release another iPod Touch upgrade so soon after the latest version's September debut.

War on Drugs Makes Women the Enemy

TresSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:45 -0800

If you've been following the story of Cleveland's alleged serial killer Anthony Sowell, you know it's horrific. Eleven female bodies have been found in and around the man's home, leaving the public wondering how could these crimes go on undetected for years. Writing in the Daily Beast, Cleveland journalist Mansfield Frazier says he knows why: Sowell was able to kill drug-addicted women without anyone noticing because the war on drugs targets women. Let's examine the evidence he uses to support this allegation after the jump.

It's True! We Really Do Crave Fatty Foods When We're Stressed

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:42 -0800

If your chocolate cravings are any indication, you may have already suspected that high-fat foods are a woman's go-to snack when stressed. Now there's evidence to confirm your suspicions - UCSF recently conducted a study to examine the relationship between eating habits and chronic stress.

Researchers surveyed 600 overweight or obese women regarding their diet and stress. Issues classified as chronic stressors included job dissatisfaction, financial worries (like inability to pay rent or mortgage), or dealing with an ailing loved one. The women dealing with these taxing personal issues reported a higher likelihood of being unable to control what they ate, and a tendency to eat more fattening foods. Chronically stressed women were also more likely to force themselves to keep a regimented, strict diet to control weight gain, even skipping meals. The downside is that it's hard to keep up a regimented program, and being stressed means a plan like this is bound to backfire - ultimately there's a breaking point, and we're more likely to overeat.

To learn more about stressed-out eating, just read more.

While this study may not offer any groundbreaking info, it does serve as a healthy reminder: Be conscious of when you're actually hungry, and remember, there is such a thing as emotional eating. Be more mindful of your mental health and how it affects your food choices, and make healthy eating a priority. If you need some creative, healthy snack alternatives, visit our Snack Attack group for ideas.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Examined on A&E's Obsessed

TresSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:48:12 -0700

Trina is afraid she’ll murder someone. Nidia has a phobia about her bowel movements. Rick can’t stop compulsively exercising, adding up the numbers on license plates, or turning clockwise at regular intervals. He wants to stay healthy forever and ward off old age.

Like 3.3 million other Americans, they have obsessive compulsive disorder. A&E’s series Obsessed follows them as they work with cognitive behavioral therapists who try to get them to examine the thinking behind their obsessions so that they can replace those beliefs - and the compulsive acts performed on their behalf - with healthier ones. To find out more about OCD and to watch a clip from Obsessed, read more

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of those psychological disorders with an (almost) self-explanatory name. A person with OCD suffers from extreme anxiety based on a phobia about something - germs, a messy room, worry they’ll harm someone. The sufferer, as a result, feels compelled to do something time-consuming and often physically punishing to ward off the fear.

In the case of Nidia in the video here, she had such a fear of her bowel movements that she would shower up to three hours after going to the bathroom, using enemas and toothbrushes with such force that she had to have two blood transfusions from cleaning herself too vigorously. By the end of her CBT treatment, she began to see improvement. Rick, however, did not, making a statement that lends some insight into the disorder: “I have mixed feelings about giving up my compulsions because then I’ll be forced to analyze my compulsions and that person may suck."

Source

Testicular self-examination

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:17:36 -0700

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

Testicular anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Testicular self-examination is an examination of the testicles. The testicles (also called the testes) are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. They are located in the scrotum under the penis.

How the test is performed

Perform this test during or after a shower. This way, the scrotal skin is warm and relaxed. It's best to do the test while standing.

Gently feel your scrotal sac to locate a testicle.
Firmly but gently roll the testicle between the thumb and fingers of both hands to examine the entire surface.
Repeat the procedure with the other testicle.

Why the test is performed

A testicular self-exam is done to check for testicular cancer. Normal testicles contain blood vessels and other structures that can make the exam confusing. Performing a self-exam monthly allows you to become familiar with your normal anatomy. Then if you notice any changes from the previous exam, you'll know to contact your doctor.

You should perform a testicular self-exam every month if you have or have had any of the following risk factors:

Family history of testicular cancer
Previous testicular tumor
Undescended testicle

Normal Values

Each testicle should feel firm, but not rock hard. One testicle may or may not be lower or slightly larger than the other.

Always ask your doctor if you have any doubts or questions.

What abnormal results mean

If you find a small hard lump (like a pea), have an enlarged testicle, or notice any other concerning differences from your last self-exam, see your doctor as soon as you can.

Consult your doctor if:

You can't find one or both testicles -- the testicles may not have descended properly in the scrotum
There is a soft collection of thin tubes above the testicle -- it may be a collection of dilated veins (varicocele)
There is pain or swelling in the scrotum -- it may be an infection or a fluid-filled sac (hydrocele), causing blockage of blood flow to the area

Sudden, severe (acute) pain in the scrotum or testicle is an emergency. If you experience such pain, seek immediate medical attention.

Special considerations

A lump on the testicle is often the first sign of testicular cancer. Therefore, if you find a lump, see a doctor immediately. Keep in mind that some cases of testicular cancer do not show symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.

References

Rew L. Development of the self-efficacy for testicular self-examination scale. J Men's Health Gend. March 2005;2(1):59-63.

Information from your family doctor. Testicular cancer. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(3):613-614.

Review Date: 11/1/2007

Reviewed By: Marc A. Greenstein, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., Urologist, Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003909

Just How Well Do Bizarre Beauty Ingredients Actually Work?

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700

There are so many odd ingredients in high-end beauty treatments these days, from bull semen to pigeon excrement to snail trail slime, but there's only a little information out there about how - or if - these things work, as the Los Angeles Times examines. A lot of these treatments seem a bit gimmicky to me, and I can't help but wonder if many of them are just a way to charge more for the same old deep conditioner. Along with the likes of caviar and gold facials, hair treatments are getting incredibly expensive these days, and I just can't see the results justifying the prices in this case. Have you ever had an experience with a treatment like this? And if so, was it worth it in the end? Tell us what you think, and take my beauty ick factor quiz to see what you know about all-things creepy when it comes to cosmetics.

Photo by randysonofrobert

Ear examination

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:09:02 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
How the test is performed
How to prepare for the test
How the test will feel
Why the test is performed
Normal Values
What abnormal results mean
What the risks are
Special considerations
References

Illustrations

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Otoscopic exam of the ear

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

During an ear examination, the doctor looks inside your ear using an instrument called an otoscope.

Alternative Names

Otoscopy

How the test is performed

The health care provider may dim the lights in the room.

A young child will be asked to lie on his or her back with the head turned to the side, or the child's head may rest against an adult's chest.

Older children and adults may sit with the head tilted toward the shoulder opposite the ear being examined.

The health care provider will gently pull up, back, or forward on the ear to straighten the ear canal. Then, the tip of the otoscope will be placed gently into your ear. A light beam (attached to the scope) shines into the ear canal. The health care provider will carefully move the scope in different directions to see the inside of the ear and eardrum. Sometimes, this view may be blocked by earwax.

The otoscope may have a plastic bulb on it, which delivers a tiny puff of air into the outer ear canal. This is done to see how the eardrum moves. Decreased movement can mean that there is fluid in the middle ear.

How to prepare for the test

No preparation is needed for this test.

How the test will feel

If there is an ear infection, there may be some discomfort or pain. The doctor will stop the test if the pain gets worse.

Why the test is performed

An ear exam may be done if you have an earache, ear infection, hearing loss, or other ear symptoms.

Examining the ear also helps the doctor see if treatment for a certain ear problem is working.

Normal Values

Everyone's ear canal differs in size, shape, and color. Normally, the canal is skin-colored and has small hairs. Yellowish-brown earwax may be present. The eardrum is a light-gray color or a shiny pearly-white. A cone of light (light reflex) should reflect off the eardrum surface.

What abnormal results mean

Ear infections are a common problem, especially with small children. Middle ear infections may be present if the light reflex is dull or absent. The eardrum may be red and bulging. Amber liquid or bubbles behind the eardrum are often seen if fluids collect in the middle ear.

An external ear infection may be present if the ear canal is red, tender, swollen, painful when wiggling or pulling on the outer ear, or if the canal is filled with yellowish-green pus.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

If the ear speculum is not disinfected, an infection can be spread from one ear to the other.

Special considerations

Not all ear problems can be detected by looking through an otoscope. Additional ear and hearing tests may be needed.

Otoscopes sold for at-home use are lower quality than the ones used at the doctor's office. Parents may not be able to recognize some of the subtle signs of an ear problem. If there are symptoms of severe ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness, fever, ringing in the ears, or ear discharge or bleeding , see the health care provider.

References

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005:8-11.

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders: 2004; 2140.

Review Date: 2/12/2007

Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003340

Otoscope examination

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:36:21 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

An otoscope is a tool which shines a beam of light to help visualize and examine the condition of the ear canal and eardrum. Examining the ear can reveal the cause of symptoms such as an earache, the ear feeling full, or hearing loss.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 2_8771

Physical examination

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:53:49 -0700

Overview

Definition

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.

A typical physical examination includes:

Inspection (looking at the body)
Palpation (feeling the body with hands)
Auscultation (listening to sounds)
Percussion (producing sounds)

Review Date: 1/22/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002274